Business Office Technology: Salary, Career and Education Information

Programs in business office technology typically cover a wide variety of technical skills. Find out about the requirements of these programs, and learn about career options, job growth and salary info for business technology graduates.

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Essential Information

Business office technology refers to the technical devices and tools used by various organizations for everyday tasks, such as managing clients, fulfilling orders, maintaining payroll information, analyzing sales records and conducting communications. Most technically-oriented careers require some level of undergraduate education, such as a bachelor's degree in computer science. Individuals working in entry-level business office technology positions, such as secretaries, might learn skills through on-the-job training or earn an associate's degree or certificate in administrative assisting or business technology.

Career

Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Computer Systems Analyst

Secretary and Administrative Assistant

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Bachelor's degree, usually in computer or information science

High school diploma or the equivalent

Projected Job Growth (2012-22)*

12%

25%

12%

Median Salary (2013)*

$74,000

$81,190

$32,840

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Options

Jobs in business office technology encompass a broad range of abilities and talents. Many business office technology positions require technical skills, like programming. The duties of secretaries and administrative assistants include clerical tasks, like typing.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Individuals working as network and computer systems administrators help businesses store and access information in an efficient manner. They need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Keeping up with the latest technology through continuing education courses is essential, and some employers desire someone with professional certifications.

Network and computer systems administrators received a median salary of $74,000 in May 2013, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projected 12% job growth for this occupation from 2012-22 (www.bls.gov).

Computer Systems Analysts

Computer systems analysts help various enterprises devise solutions to common issues that arise during business operations, such as collecting payments. Most hold a bachelor's degree in computer or information science, although degrees in other areas might be acceptable with the right experience.

According to the BLS, computer systems analysts earned a median annual wage of $81,190 in May 2013. The BLS projected that jobs in this field would increase by 25% from 2012-22, which was much faster than other professions.

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Secretaries and administrative assistants utilize office technologies to perform various clerical duties, such as appointment keeping and data entry. High school graduates can assume entry-level jobs, although many aspiring secretaries take some clerical courses at vocational schools or community colleges. Medical and legal secretaries require specialized training in areas such as terminology and ethics.

The median annual salary of these office workers, as reported by the BLS, was $32,840 in May 2013. Job growth for secretaries and administrative assistants was estimated by the BLS at 12% for 2012-22.